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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for calm minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C